Nicky Hopkins: A Revolutionary Session Musician

Nicky Hopkins might not be a household name, but his influence on rock music is monumental. From the 1960s through the 1970s, his masterful keyboard work shaped the sound of an era, lending its magic to some of the most iconic records in history. 

The Life and Legacy of Nicky Hopkins

Born in 1944 in London, Nicky Hopkins grew into one of the most sought-after English pianists and organists. Over the course of his career, he contributed to more than 250 albums, working alongside rock legends like the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, the Kinks, the Who, Jeff Beck, Joe Cocker, the Steve Miller Band, and Jerry Garcia. Despite enduring a lifelong struggle with Crohn’s disease, Hopkins's mastery of the keys made him a defining force in the studio.

What set Hopkins apart was his ability to adapt and elevate any song. His delicate yet powerful touch added a unique dimension to the music, creating a signature sound that was both versatile and deeply emotional. In an era brimming with musical innovation, his work became the thread that connected many of rock's defining moments.

The Unsung Hero of Rock

Why doesn’t the name Nicky Hopkins evoke the same recognition as some of the stars he played with? The answer lies in his role as a session musician. Despite being pivotal to numerous hit songs, Hopkins rarely received credit on album sleeves or saw his name in the press. He wasn’t interested in fame, preferring the artistry of his craft to the limelight. Many times, he was under-compensated, and his immense contributions went largely unnoticed by the public.

Yet, for those who knew and worked with him, Hopkins was a legend. His unassuming nature and focus on the music above all else became his trademark. This unsung status, however, only adds to the mystique surrounding him, making his work even more intriguing for those who discover it.

Health Struggles That Shaped His Career

Hopkins's life was marred by Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition that caused him immense physical suffering. This illness made touring nearly impossible, often leaving him hospitalized for extended periods. While other musicians thrived on the energy of live performances, Hopkins found solace in the recording studio, where he created his greatest work.

His health struggles may have curtailed his public exposure, but they never diminished his creative spirit. The studio became a sanctuary where he produced piano parts that have since become legendary, etching his legacy into the fabric of rock history.

The Songs That Showcase His Brilliance

Hopkins’s piano and organ work shines across some of rock's most famous recordings. His contributions brought complexity and soul to tracks that would have felt incomplete without his touch. Here are just a few examples of his most celebrated performances:

The Rolling Stones: Hopkins played a significant role in shaping the Stones’ sound during their most productive period. His piano graces tracks like "Sympathy for the Devil," where it adds a hypnotic momentum, and "Angie," where his delicate chords perfectly complement the song’s melancholy. Other memorable performances include "She’s a Rainbow" and the brooding "Monkey Man."

The Who: Hopkins collaborated with the Who on their Who's Next album, contributing to tracks like "The Song Is Over" and "Getting in Tune," where his piano adds a profound, almost cinematic quality. He also played on earlier material, like the thunderous "The Ox."

The Beatles: His piano on "Revolution" infuses the track with a raw, electric energy that drives Lennon’s gritty vocals, showcasing his ability to adapt to different musical styles seamlessly.

Joe Cocker: Hopkins's piano lines on "You Are So Beautiful" remain one of the most tender and emotional accompaniments in rock ballad history.

The Kinks: Collaborating with Ray Davies, Hopkins's work on "Sunny Afternoon" helped give the song its quintessential English charm, while "Session Man" was a winking nod to the role he had come to personify.

A Close Partnership with the Rolling Stones

Among all his collaborators, Hopkins's relationship with the Rolling Stones was particularly noteworthy. He played on nearly every Stones album from 1967 to 1981, except Some Girls. His piano parts added depth and nuance to their sound, defining an era of music that many consider the band’s golden age. Songs like "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Angie" are unimaginable without his contributions.

Keith Richards and Mick Jagger deeply valued Hopkins, often calling on him to bring his distinctive style to their recordings. In many ways, he was a silent architect of the Stones’ sound, shaping their music from the shadows while never claiming the spotlight for himself.

The San Francisco Psychedelic Influence

Hopkins wasn’t limited to the British rock scene; he also made a significant impact on the San Francisco psychedelic movement in the late 1960s. He played on Jefferson Airplane's Volunteers album and even performed with them at Woodstock. His presence added a rich layer of complexity to the band’s sound, and his performance at one of the most legendary music festivals in history cemented his status as a quiet but essential force.

He also co-wrote "Baby’s House" with the Steve Miller Band, a track that reveals his flair for lush, psychedelic compositions. Additionally, Hopkins joined Quicksilver Messenger Service, where he added his baroque rock sensibilities to their music, further shaping the unique sounds emerging from California during that era.

Solo Work and Soundtracks

While most of his fame comes from collaborations, Nicky Hopkins also ventured into solo territory. He released three solo albums: The Revolutionary Piano of Nicky Hopkins (1966), The Tin Man Was a Dreamer (1973), and No More Changes (1975). These works reveal his artistry in a more personal light, showing his ability to craft songs that are both introspective and melodically rich.

Beyond these albums, Hopkins composed soundtracks for Japanese films, displaying a versatility that extended far beyond rock. This solo work provides a rare glimpse into the mind of a musician who usually played behind the scenes.

Honouring His Legacy: "The Session Man" Documentary

For fans and newcomers eager to understand the genius of Nicky Hopkins, the 2023 documentary The Session Man, directed by Michael Treen, is essential viewing. The film delves into his life and the lasting impact of his work, featuring interviews with many of the artists who knew and collaborated with him. It stands as a tribute to a man whose talent shaped the music we love but whose humility kept him from ever being a headline act.

Nicky Hopkins's story is one of brilliance, quiet resilience, and profound musical influence. While he may have been the ultimate session man, his legacy as one of rock’s greatest pianists is finally being recognized. His music, like the man himself, remains humble yet irreplaceable—a soulful resonance threading through the golden age of rock.

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Early Life and Career:

• 1944: Nicholas Christian Hopkins is born in Perivale, Middlesex, England.
• 1947: Begins playing piano at the age of three.
• 1950s: Attends Sudbury Primary School and Wembley County Grammar School, wins a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music.
• 1960: Leaves the Royal Academy of Music at 16 to join Screaming Lord Sutch and the Savages as a pianist.
• 1962: Joins the Cyril Davies (R&B) All-Stars.
• 1963: Undergoes a series of life-threatening operations and is bedridden for 19 months. Cyril Davies dies.
• 1965: Begins session work, playing on recordings by The Kinks and The Who.
• 1966: Releases his debut solo album, "The Revolutionary Piano of Nicky Hopkins."

The Session Man:

• 1967: Plays on the Rolling Stones' album "Their Satanic Majesties Request," marking the beginning of a long collaboration.
• 1967: Joins the Jeff Beck Group, featuring Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, contributing to their albums "Truth" and "Beck-Ola."
• 1968: Plays on the Beatles' single "Revolution."
• 1969: Performs at Woodstock with Jefferson Airplane. Joins Quicksilver Messenger Service.
• 1970s: Works with all four former Beatles on their solo projects. Plays on iconic albums like John Lennon's "Imagine" and George Harrison's "Living in the Material World."
• 1971: Tours with the Rolling Stones as part of their live line-up.
• 1972: Releases the album "Jamming with Edward!" with members of the Rolling Stones. Plays on the Stones' landmark album "Exile on Main St."
• 1973: Releases his second solo album, "The Tin Man Was a Dreamer," featuring contributions from George Harrison and Mick Taylor.
• 1975: Briefly joins the Jerry Garcia Band. Releases his third solo album, "No More Changes."
• 1980s: Works with various artists, including Graham Parker and the Rumour, and contributes to film soundtracks, finding success in Japan.

Later Life and Legacy:

• 1990s: Continues session work and soundtrack composition.
• 1993: Plays his last public performance with The Flew, a group formed with Joe Walsh and others.
• 1994: Dies on September 6th in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 50, from complications related to Crohn's disease.
• 2011: Julian Dawson publishes the biography "And on Piano ... Nicky Hopkins," shedding light on his life and career.
• 2018: A memorial bench dedicated to Hopkins is unveiled in Perivale Park.
• 2019: The Nicky Hopkins Scholarship is created at the Royal Academy of Music. A commemorative plaque is placed on his childhood home.
• 2023: The documentary film "The Session Man" premieres, exploring Hopkins' remarkable career and impact on rock music.